30+Years Experience. Highly Experienced Trial Attorney.
Proven Track Record of Success on Serious and Complex Cases.
Put a Former Prosecutor in Your Corner.
State v MSM, Bergen County Superior Court, March 2023
In March 2023, Lazzaro Law resolved a high-stakes criminal case in Bergen County Superior Court. Our client, MSM, had been charged with second-degree sexual assault stemming from an alleged incident in October 2018. The allegations involved digital penetration of a female under the age of 16 in a public park during daylight hours. The original charge carried a sentence of 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State prison under the No Early Release Act (NERA).
Legal Strategy: Exposing Gaps in the State’s Case
We began by reviewing every detail of the discovery and immediately focused on the absence of supporting evidence. There were no eyewitnesses, video surveillance, DNA, or medical records to support the accusation. This lack of corroboration became a critical part of our defense.
Rather than risk a trial with a potentially devastating sentence, we negotiated a plea deal that significantly reduced the charge.
Outcome: Reduced Charge and Avoidance of Megan’s Law
In 2023, our client pleaded guilty to third-degree endangering the welfare of a child under a theory of neglect. This resolution meant the client avoided not only a longer prison term under NERA but also Megan’s Law sex offender registration.
This outcome gave the client a chance to move forward without the lifetime consequences that come with a sexual assault conviction.
Facing Sexual Assault Charges in New Jersey?
If you’re facing sexual assault or endangering the welfare of a child charges in New Jersey, contact Lazzaro Law. We defend severe criminal cases in Bergen County and statewide. Our experience in challenging weak evidence and negotiating fair outcomes makes a difference when everything is at stake.
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